Lillie Steffen, 88
In the evening of Thursday, October 24, 2024, at the age of 88, our beautiful mother, Lillie Steffen chose to rejoin Dad (Ernest) by peacefully transitioning in the comfort of her own home during a brief visit to Dalton, Ohio.
From the depths of our sadness for our loss, we feel joy in her Souls release, our joy and pain are but one. Mom’s life was her message. A lighthouse forever guiding us through the storms of life, while never needing to shine a light on herself or desiring to be the center of attention. Soft spoken with a fiery spirit. Her generosity was equaled by none, always sending birthday cards with impeccable timing, acknowledging important events and remembrances. Mom lived a life full of grace, faith and love for Jesus that was always humble, always kind, living in pure intention and in being of service to others. Mom was a powerful prayer warrior, consistently covering her family, friends, neighbors and others with blessings of protection and love in her daily prayers. She was a lifelong member of the Sonnenberg Mennonite Church in Kidron Ohio and her favorite hymns were “How Great Thou Art” and “Trust and Obey”.
Born on October 28, 1935, in Wayne County, Ohio, Lillie grew up in Wayne County, Ohio. Marrying Ernest Steffen and raising their family in Kidron, Ohio. Lillie played a key role in their family business for many years, contributing greatly to its long lived success. Later moving to Dalton, Ohio.
Lillie is survived by Daughter Sharon (Steve), Grandchildren Ben (Nicole), Victoria, YounTae Kim (Maya), and Great Grandchild Karson. Son Dan (Melissa), Grandchildren Ashley, Cierra (Josh), Zach (Jordan). Son Ralph (Jamie), Grandchildren Zachary, Rachael (Colton), Bella, Charlie and Great Grandchildren Colton and Liam. Brothers Daniel (Donna), David (Barbara), Jonas James (Carol), and many nieces and nephews.
Lillie was preceded in death by her husband Ernest Steffen, Parents Edwin and Mary (Bixler) Zimmerly, Sisters Ida (Denver Welty), Bessie (Albert Harder), Lydia McClintock and Ruth. Brothers Lester (Lovina) and Silas Ray (Hilda).
During this final chapter of her life, Lillie lived with her daughter Sharon and husband Steve who provided full-time care in the comfort of their Florida home. Graced with time for a long goodbye, many family and friends visited her there and were able to share a few more beautiful moments, feeling blessed to be able to connect with mom in this way. We are forever grateful for Sharon and Steve’s generosity, kindness and their tender loving care throughout this time. The family would like to say a special thank you to Karen Beery, Carol Zimmerly, Nancy Yutzy, Edna Stark and others for their loving attention, offering helpful care and their generosity of time they shared with Mom while she was residing in Ohio.
The number “8” symbolizes Infinity with love, energy, and spirit having no beginning or end. Lillie’s unconditional love and compassion has infinitely imprinted on us all. We will continue to honor her in our daily lives with each opportunity that we choose love over hate, gratitude over regret, courage over fear, and compassion over judgement. In this way, Mom’s (Lillie’s) spirit and energy will continue to live through us all.
Lillie’s wishes for cremation with no public service have been followed. The family held a small Celebration of Life gathering in Florida.
